APRIL
Minutes – Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A
April 5, 2016 Regular Public Meeting
The meeting was held at the Ft. Stevens Recreation Center, 1300 Van Buren Street NW. Commissioner Gale Black, Chair (and ANC 4A08) called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. Also present were Commissioners 4A01 Acqunetta Anderson, 4A03 Stephen Whatley, 4A06 Karrye Braxton, and 4A07 Dave Wilson. Commissioner 4A02 Dwayne Toliver was absent. A quorum was present for all votes.
Commissioner Black called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM.
1) Approval of the Agenda
Commissioner Anderson moved to approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Braxton seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 5 yes, 0 no.
2) Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Anderson, Secretary, presented the draft minutes of the March 1, 2016 meeting. Commissioner Whatley moved that the March 1, 2016 minutes be approved. Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 5 yes, 0 no.
3) Resolution: BZA 19245, 1605 Madison St NW--Application for Variance
The attorney for the applicant [name inaudible], Mr. George Simpson, presented his application for a special exception from the zoning regulations.
Commissioner Wilson moved that the Commission adopt a resolution supporting the application. Commissioner Anderson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 5 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A (the Commission) takes note of the following:
• The applicant, Mr. George Simpson, is seeking special exception approval, pursuant to Section 223 of the Zoning Regulations, to permit a third story addition to a non-conforming single family dwelling, resulting in a lot occupancy of 48% where 40% is permitted, a side yard of 7.9 feet and 3.2 feet, respectively where a side yard of 8 feet is required
• The proposed addition will not block light to any of the neighbors as the addition wraps around the alley, as illustrated by the attached drawings, submitted as part of the application.
• Nine neighbors have signed individual petitions supporting the application and no one has expressed opposition.
RESOLVED:
That Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A supports this application and recommends that the Board of Zoning Adjustment approve it.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That Commissioner Dave Wilson, ANC 4A07, is hereby authorized to serve as the Commission’s representative.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That, in the event the designated representative Commissioners cannot carry out her representative duties for any reason, the Commission authorizes the Chairperson to designate another Commissioner to represent the Commission relating to this resolution.
4) ◦Resolution on BZA 19239, 7723 Alaska Ave NW—special exception to construct 11 residential units
Commissioner Toliver, who was necessarily absent from the meeting, participated in this matter by telephone speakerphone.
Ms. Kate Olson, attorney for the applicant, Ms. Deborah J. Jones-Miller, presented the details of the application.
Commissioner Whatley moved that the Commission support the application. Commissioner Toliver stated that he did not wish the Commission to take any action on the application. Commissioner Whatley then withdrew his motion. Discussion on the application concluded with the Commission taking no action.
5) Recommendations Regarding the National Park Service/DC Water Proposal Regarding Storm Water Remediation in Rock Creek Park
Commissioner Whatley moved that the Commission adopt a resolution making recommendations regarding the National Park Service/DC Water proposal for sanitary and storm water infrastructure improvements in Rock Creek Park. Commissioner Braxton seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 5 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
Whereas, the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) are the body of government with the closest ties to the people and are expected to advise the city on issues including zoning, public health and safety, economic development, taxes, transportation, construction and infrastructure issues;
Whereas, the ANC 4A office received notice of DC Water’s (formerly the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority’s) proposal to make improvements for Rock Creek Park’s Sanitary and Storm Sewer Infrastructure at the Pinehurst Branch, Sherrill Drive and the Fenwick Branch Sewers (PSF). This matter is time-sensitive. Tomorrow, DC Water will be holding a Town Hall Meeting and ANC 4A would like to present comments on behalf of the ANC 4A.
Whereas, ANC 4A is within the scoping area for the project. The ANC 4A covers the neighborhoods of Crestwood, Colonial Village, North Portal Estate, Shepherd Park, Sixteenth Heights and Brightwood, which border Rock Creek Park and are adjacent to Rock Creek and Piney Branch Creek;
Whereas, the DC Water and Sewer Authority, the District of Columbia and the United States agreed, on March 25, 2005, to a series of steps to bring DC into compliance with the Clean Water Act, including by constructing a minimum of three tunnels, one of which was to be in Rock Creek/ Piney Branch and another at the Potomac;
Whereas, WASA agreed to design and place in operation several projects on Rock Creek to control the Combined Storm Overflow (CSO) discharges;
Whereas, the ANC 4A area includes, or is adjacent to, the area of the city that still has combined sewers;
Whereas, there is a serious source of pollution in the southern part of Rock Creek Park, as referenced in the Rock Creek Management Plan, which stated that “the CSOs present the most serious source of pollution in DC.” Of the sewer discharge sites in DC, 28 were reported to be in Rock Creek Park, including the Rock Creek / Piney Branch area. The Long Term Control Plan for DC Combined Sewer System (CSS) requirements provided for the control of CSO discharges to comply with the DC water quality standards in Rock Creek and its Piney Branch tributary and the Potomac River. Separation of the Rock Creek CSOs 031,037,053 and 058 were among the 14 CSOs proposed to be eliminated. These included the overflows that discharge to Rock Creek. Piney Branch Creek and its 16 tributaries. Together, they reportedly can contribute as much as 42 million gallons of combined storm water and sewage to the creek during a 1-hour storm. It is estimated that there are more than sixty such heavy storm episodes each year. The plan provided for the control of the CSO discharges to the Anacostia River, the Potomac River and to Rock Creek and its Piney Branch tributary. Paragraph 8, page 10 of the Consent Decree. We are concerned that the plan is not clear on what exactly will be done to reduce the storm water overflows, stop erosion and restore the outfalls that are in disrepair and contributing to water quality degradation;
Whereas, the project calls for the diversion of potentially dangerous waters to the Rock Creek, near Beach Drive NW, Blagden Avenue NW and Peirce Mill, and the environmental and societal impact may not have been fully considered;
RESOLVED that, while ANC 4A supports the efforts to address the aging infrastructure, we question whether this plan adequately and effectively serves our needs, because it does not include actions aimed at preserving water quality in Rock Creek and Piney Branch Creek and would divert waters to the Rock Creek;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ANC4A asks DC Water to include in its plan an assessment of the clogged storm water catchment at East Beach and Redwood and to determine if the buried pipes that go under East Beach need additional drainage systems installed;
THERFORE, we ask that DC Water and the National Park Service consider these comments and we request that the ANC 4A be provided further information with regard to the project options, particularly as to when and how the government will reduce the 25 overflows down to 1 overflow per year and stabilize the stream erosion.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That Commissioner Gale Black, ANC 4A08, and Commissioner Acqunetta Anderson, ANC 4A01, are hereby authorized to serve as the Commission’s representatives with regard to this resolution.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That, in the event that one or both of the designated representative Commissioners cannot carry out their representative duties for any reason, the Commission authorizes the Chairperson to designate another Commissioner to represent the Commission relating to this resolution.
6) ◦Grant Application: Community Alliance for Upper Fourteenth Street, $500.00, 14th & Kennedy Streets Farmers Market
Mr. Robert Pigott, representing the Community Alliance for Upper Fourteenth Street, presented its application for a grant of $500.00 to help inform the community about the 14th and Kennedy Streets Farmers Market through flyers and the mailing of postcards.
Commissioner Wilson moved that the Commission adopt a resolution approving the grant application. Commissioner Braxton seconded the motion. The motion was adopted, 5 yes, 0 no.
The adopted resolution:
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A (the Commission) takes note of the following:
· The Community Alliance for Upper Fourteenth Street (CAUFS) operates the seasonal 14th and Kennedy Farmers Market, located at Colorado Avenue and Kennedy Streets NW, on the boundary of the Commission and Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4C.
· CAUFS is a non-profit organization and is currently applying for 501c (3) status.
· CAUFS will open the Farmers Market two months earlier this year than last year.
· The Farmers Market has been very well received and has approximately 450 customers per Saturday.
· CAUFS is working to increase community awareness and increase pedestrian traffic to the market and along the commercial corridor.
· The total project budget for marketing is $4,350. CAUFS is requesting a grant of $500.00, which will be applied to the printing and mailing of promotional coupon postcards.
RESOLVED:
· That Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A finds that the Fourteenth and Kennedy Farmers Market is a community program which benefits the residents of the Commission area.
· That the Commission approves the application for a grant of $500.00.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That Commissioner Dave Wilson, ANC 4A07, is hereby authorized to serve as the Commission’s representative regarding this resolution.
FURTHER RESOLVED:
That, in the event the designated representative Commissioners cannot carry out his representative duties for any reason, the Commission authorizes the Chairperson to designate another Commissioner to represent the Commission relating to this resolution.
Community Concerns
1) Mr. Messay Gessesse and Ms. Betty Etana introduced a new Ethiopian restaurant they are opening, Betty’s Gojo, at 7616 Georgia Avenue N.W.
2) Mr. Ernest Green complained about problems with the church located at _______ Alaska Avenue NW, especially taking up residential parking and ringing the church bell at night.
3) Ms. Phyllis Green said that the church has a loudspeaker that broadcasts their services into the community, including on Saturday/Sunday at midnight. The streets are clogged with cars belonging to church attendees when they have funeral services or other services and residents have trouble leaving or returning to their residences.
4) Mr. Calvin Snowden said the church constructed a retaining wall that encroaches on city property and asked that it be removed or relocated.
5) Ms. Joan Wilbon said that church representatives need to come to an ANC meeting to hear what is going on.
7) Presentations and Reports
1) Mr. McAuley, Ward 4 Liaison for Mayor Muriel Bowser, gave a report on current issues and concerns being addressed by the Mayor.
2) Ms. Sherryl Newman, representing Councilmember Todd, gave an update on issues of concern to Ward 4.
3) Mr. Christopher Shorter, Director, DC Department of Public Works gave a presentation on the department’s services and the status of current issues of concern, including parking enforcement and snow removal.
Commissioner Whatley moved that the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner
Wilson seconded the motion. The motion was adopted unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM.